Clement of Alexandria and the Use of Chreiai in the Gospel of Mark

In early Christian literature, the way stories and teachings were recorded and transmitted is a subject of significant interest. One intriguing aspect of this is the use of chreiai, a term that has undergone various interpretations over time. Clement of Alexandria, an early Christian theologian, provides a fascinating example of this in his discussion of the Gospel of Mark.

Understanding Chreiai

The term chreiai (χρεία) was defined by Theon, a prominent rhetorician, as "a concise statement or action, which is attributed with aptness to some specified character or to something analogous to a character.” This definition underscores the anecdotal and illustrative nature of chreiai, which were used to convey moral lessons or highlight significant traits of a character. Theon illustrated this with an example involving Alexander the Great, who, when asked about his treasures, pointed to his friends and said, "In these."

Clement's Reference to Chreiai in Mark's Gospel

Clement of Alexandria, in his works, touches upon the method by which Mark composed his Gospel. Specifically, he refers to the Parable of the Rich Man in Mark, suggesting that Mark used chreiai to structure his narrative:

"Οὕτως οὖν ὁ κύριος καὶ τὴν τῶν ἐκτὸς χρείαν εἰσάγει, κελεύων ἀποθέσθαι οὐ τὰ βιωτικά, ἀλλὰ τὰ τούτοις κακῶς χρώμενα·"

• Clement of Alexandria

An older translation of this passage rendered it as:

"So then the Lord introduces the use of external things, bidding us put away not the means of subsistence, but what uses them badly."

However, this translation does not fully capture the essence of chreiai as understood in the context of rhetorical tradition. A more accurate translation, considering Theon's definition, might be:

"Thus, the Lord introduces the anecdote (χρείαν) of those outside, bidding us put away not the means of subsistence, but what uses them badly."

In this light, the χρεία here refers to the moral teaching embedded in the anecdote about wealth and spiritual peril.

The Parable of the Rich Man as Chreiai

The specific χρεία Clement refers to can be identified in the passage from Mark where Jesus says:

"Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! More easily shall a camel enter through the eye of a needle than a rich man into the kingdom of God."

This saying, succinct and poignant, fits Theon's description of a chreia—a concise statement attributed to a significant figure (in this case, Jesus) that imparts a moral lesson.

Implications for Understanding Mark's Gospel

Recognizing that Mark employed chreiai offers valuable insights into how his Gospel was composed. It suggests that Mark's narrative technique involved compiling and arranging these moral anecdotes to convey the teachings of Jesus effectively. This method would have been familiar to audiences of the time, who were accustomed to rhetorical and anecdotal styles in literature.

Furthermore, understanding the use of chreiai in Mark's Gospel can help modern readers appreciate the depth and intent behind the Gospel's structure. It highlights the pedagogical purpose of the Gospel—teaching through memorable and impactful sayings and stories.

Conclusion

Clement of Alexandria's acknowledgment that Mark wrote his Gospel by means of chreiai sheds light on the literary techniques used in early Christian writings. It emphasizes the role of concise, morally instructive anecdotes in conveying the teachings of Jesus. This understanding enriches our appreciation of the Gospel of Mark and its method of instruction, revealing the sophisticated rhetorical strategies at play in early Christian texts.